After several days in Sydny we picked up our hire car in and
With the sun climbing higher in the sky, we left Sydney behind, merging onto the Princess Highway for a road trip adventure that we’d long dreamed of. The highway unfolded before us, weaving between rolling green hills and hugging the stunning coastline that Australia is so famous for. We were excited to explore beyond the bustling city and experience the serene beauty of the south coast.
Our first stop was in Bulli, a charming little town nestled between the dramatic cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment and the azure waters of the Pacific. After winding through tree-lined streets, we found a cozy café, perched near the shore. The air smelled of salt and freshly brewed coffee—a welcoming combination. The café, filled with locals, had an inviting atmosphere that spoke of slow mornings and relaxed afternoons.
Driving along the beautiful New South Wales coast, we were captivated by the rolling landscapes that blended ocean views with lush greenery. The road seemed to stretch endlessly, hugging the coastline in places, offering us glimpses of the sparkling blue waters as we made our way towards the charming town of Ulladulla.
After a smooth drive, we arrived at the Harbour Royal Motel, which immediately lived up to its name. The motel sat perched with an enviable view of Ulladulla’s harbour, where fishing boats bobbed gently on the water, their masts swaying against the golden hues of the late afternoon. After checking in, we couldn’t resist the call of the seafront, so we decided to take a stroll.
The Marlin Hotel, just a short walk away, was the perfect spot to soak up the local atmosphere. With a cold beer in hand, we sat back, enjoying the breeze off the water and the relaxed hum of conversations around us. It was a wonderful moment of simple pleasure—nothing more than us, the seafront, and the sun beginning to dip towards the horizon.
On the walk back to our motel, the inviting aroma of fried fish made us stop in our tracks. Tigers Fish Bar—we had found the perfect place to end our day. The fish was freshly cooked, and the chips crispy and golden. We carried our delicious meal back with us and sat down to eat, savoring the taste of the sea with every bite.
That night, as we settled into the peaceful quiet of our motel, the sound of waves and the soft glow of the harbour lights lulled us into a restful sleep. There was something so special about Ulladulla—the town felt like a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Leaving the peaceful coastal town of Ulladulla, we set off on another leg of our Australian road adventure. The early morning breeze had a touch of salt in the air, and the sun peeked through light clouds as we headed towards Batemans Bay. The road wound through eucalyptus forests, with glimpses of the shimmering Pacific Ocean keeping us company on the left.
We arrived in Batemans Bay just in time for breakfast. The town greeted us with its laid-back charm, with fishing boats bobbing gently in the bay and locals milling around the waterfront cafés. We found a cozy spot, settled in with coffee, and enjoyed our breakfast while watching the world wake up around us. The calm waters, with pelicans gliding gracefully, seemed to set the perfect tone for the day ahead.
After filling up, we were back on the road, eager to explore the stretch towards Narooma. The journey was scenic, with lush green hills giving way to coastal cliffs, where the sea's blue hues stretched endlessly. We finally reached Narooma, a gem of a town nestled between the coast and rolling hills. We checked into Forsters Lodge, a delightful place perched with perfect views of the bay. The water sparkled in the afternoon sun, and the sight was truly mesmerizing—a combination of deep blues and vibrant greens with boats gently swaying in the distance.
As evening approached, we strolled over to the Narooma Sports and Social Club. The atmosphere was relaxed, a mixture of locals and travelers enjoying a casual evening out. We settled with a drink, soaking in the friendly vibe before heading over to Lynch's Bistro for dinner. Lynch’s offered a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the meal was a treat—fresh local produce, flavors bursting with freshness. The evening was perfect, filled with laughter, great food, and the soft hum of conversation.
The day ended with us back at the lodge, gazing out at the bay from our room’s balcony, reflecting on the simplicity and beauty of this part of the world. Narooma had a magical quality—its quiet charm, stunning views, and the welcoming feel of a coastal town made it a memorable stop on our Australian journey.
We found a lovely spot by the water to enjoy breakfast. The serenity of the place was captivating—the gentle lapping of the water against the shore, seagulls calling overhead, and the peaceful rhythm of the fishing boats preparing for their day. The coffee was strong, just what we needed after an early start, and the fresh pastries were the perfect complement. Sitting there, we couldn’t help but appreciate the laid-back coastal lifestyle that Merimbula embodied.
After breakfast, we continued on, making our way to Eden. A charming name, but the town itself didn’t hold much to keep us there. It was a little quiet for our taste, though the history of the whaling industry could be felt in the air, a reminder of the town’s past. Not finding much to explore, we soon set off again, eager to reach our next destination.
Crossing the state border into Victoria, we arrived in Mallacoota, a hidden gem nestled between the sea and the vast wilderness. We checked into the Mallacoota Motel, a simple but comfortable place that served as the perfect base for our explorations. It had the kind of quiet charm that made us feel instantly at ease, like we had stumbled upon a secret retreat.
After settling in, we decided to take a drive around the beautiful lakes that surround the town. The stillness of the water was mesmerizing, broken only by the occasional ripple of a fish or a bird skimming the surface. We found a peaceful spot to stop and take it all in, only to discover we weren’t alone—just a short distance away, a mob of wild kangaroos had gathered.
As the day turned into evening, we made our way to Tide Restaurant, which came highly recommended by locals. The meal did not disappoint. Fresh seafood, expertly prepared, paired with a lovely local wine—it was the kind of dining experience that stays with you. The restaurant overlooked the water, and as we ate, we watched the sky change from soft hues of pink and orange to the deep indigo of night. It was a perfect end to our day, full of simple pleasures and the natural beauty of Australia.
Our next destination that day was Paynesville, a charming waterside village nestled on the banks of the Gippsland Lakes. The air had a freshness to it, with a light breeze carrying the scent of eucalyptus and the distant sound of birdsong. We’d heard stories about Raymond Island, a small island just off Paynesville, which was said to be home to a significant population of koalas living in their natural habitat. It didn’t take much convincing for us to set our sights on seeing these iconic creatures up close.
Arriving in Paynesville, we parked by the lakeside and caught the ferry across to Raymond Island. The ferry ride itself was a peaceful experience—a short yet scenic journey across the tranquil waters, the sunlight reflecting off the surface like a mirror. As we approached the island, a sense of excitement built within us, knowing we were about to encounter something special.
Raymond Island is a quiet haven, with only a small population of residents and an even larger population of koalas. The island felt like a step back in time, with its winding paths, towering eucalyptus trees, and the soft hum of wildlife around us. We began our walk, eyes peeled for any sign of movement in the treetops.
Within minutes, we spotted our first koala. There, perched high among the branches, was a fluffy ball of grey fur lazily lounging in the crook of a tree. It was a surreal moment—seeing a koala in the wild, just as we’d imagined it but even more magical. They were everywhere, tucked into the trees, some sleeping while others nibbled casually on eucalyptus leaves, seemingly unbothered by our presence.
We woke to the crisp morning air and the promise of another adventure. After a relaxed breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll down to the local jetty. The sun was just starting to warm the day, casting a gentle glow on the water. Our destination for the day was something we had both been looking forward to: a "wine cruise."
The boat was a modest size but comfortable, with plenty of room for us and the other eager passengers. As we set off, the scenery was stunning—a peaceful stretch of water, framed by the distant outline of Fraser Island. The island itself was like a green oasis rising from the blue water, dotted with wildlife.
As we cruised along, the first sight that caught our eye was a group of graceful black swans gliding effortlessly across the water. It felt surreal to watch them, their dark feathers a striking contrast against the shimmering water’s surface. We had never seen black swans before, and they seemed almost mythical in their beauty.
Further along, our attention was drawn to the shoreline of Fraser Island, where we spotted kangaroos hopping through the bushland. They moved with such agility and grace, and it felt like we had stumbled into a scene straight out of an Australian nature documentary. The kangaroos paused now and then, seeming to peer curiously back at us as we floated by.
The Corque, we continued our journey toward the highlight of the day: Wyanga Park Winery. Nestled among lush vineyards, the winery had a rustic charm that felt both welcoming and unpretentious. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff and invited on a tour of the winery grounds. The scent of fermenting grapes filled the air as we wandered through rows of vines, learning about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the region's terroir.
The tour concluded in a cozy tasting room, where we were treated to a selection of wines. Each sip was a revelation—flavors bursting with the richness of the earth and the care taken in their production. There was something for every palate, from crisp whites to bold reds, and we savored every drop, reflecting on how far we’d traveled for this experience.
After our boat trip, we drioe back to Lakes Entrance, a town nestled between the vast expanse of the Gippsland Lakes and the wild stretch of 90 Mile Beach, we felt the pull of the ocean. There’s something about this place that captures the essence of Australia – an unspoiled natural beauty where land meets sea in an almost endless sweep of sand.
The air was cool but fresh, carrying the sharp scent of saltwater, as we parked the car and made our way towards the causeway. The path was easy, but we savored the quiet and the landscape around us. On one side, the stillness of the Gippsland Lakes mirrored the cloud-streaked sky, while on the other, the anticipation of the ocean hummed in the distance. It felt as though the world had opened up, as if Australia’s vastness had been distilled into this peaceful stretch of earth and water.
Crossing the causeway was like entering another world. From the calmness of the lakes, we were suddenly surrounded by the roar of the ocean. 90 Mile Beach sprawled before us – an endless ribbon of golden sand stretching far beyond the horizon.
By mid-afternoon, we finally reached our destination—the coastal town of Cowes on Phillip Island. Cowes was a delightful seaside town with wide sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. We immediately felt like we were on holiday. After a long day of driving, we were eager to check into our accommodation. We had booked a stay at the Kaloha Holiday Resort, which was everything we hoped for—a comfortable retreat surrounded by nature.
The resort had a tropical feel, with its lush gardens and swaying palm trees, and it was just a short walk from the beach.
The anticipation built as we, along with other spectators, gathered at the specially designed platforms and boardwalks that ensured a close yet respectful distance from the adorable creatures.
The moment the first penguin popped its tiny head out of the waves was magical. One by one, more followed, their flippers stretched outward as they tottered across the sand in their clumsy, endearing gait. We lloked on with a mix of awe and laughter watching these little birds, only about 30cm tall, shuffle their way back to their burrows, sometimes pausing to look around as if they were checking for any stragglers.
As the dawn light spilled across the horizon, we set off from our cozy accommodation, excitement buzzing in the air. Our destination for the day was Rhyll, a picturesque fishing village on the northern tip of Phillip Island, where the promise of a delicious breakfast awaited us at the Temuku Café. Nestled on a cliff, the café offered stunning views of the tranquil bay, a perfect backdrop for our morning meal.
Upon arrival, we found a charming spot on the terrace, where the salty breeze danced around us and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore created a serene ambiance.
After breakfast, we continued our journey toward San Remo, eager to experience its coastal charm. . Arriving in San Remo, we were immediately captivated by the lively atmosphere, especially near the fishing pier where the daily pelican feeding had begun.
We watched in awe as the pelicans glided gracefully down from their perches, their large beaks snapping open wide, ready to catch the fish being thrown by local fishermen. It was a mesmerizing sight, their synchronized movements a reminder of nature’s beauty.
As we strolled along the pier, we caught glimpses of rays swimming playfully in the shallow waters, their smooth bodies gliding effortlessly beneath the surface. We couldn’t resist the urge to lean over the railing, mesmerized by their elegant movements and the sunlight filtering through the water, creating a dazzling display.
Arriving at The Nobbies, we were greeted by a cool, salty breeze that whipped through our hair and invigorated our spirits. The landscape was a stunning contrast of lush green grasslands meeting the deep blue of the ocean. We took a moment to absorb the scenery, spotting the rugged cliffs jutting out into the water, creating a natural amphitheater for the waves crashing against the rocks.
As we wandered along the boardwalk, we were treated to spectacular views of Seal Island, home to a large colony of Australian fur seals. The sight of these playful creatures basking in the sun and frolicking in the water brought smiles to our faces. With binoculars in hand, we watched as they leapt gracefully from the rocks and swam energetically in the clear waters. It was a remarkable display of nature, and we felt lucky to witness such wildlife in its natural habitat.
As we drove along the winding roads, the scenery shifted from picturesque beaches to lush green fields dotted with grazing sheep. We took in the sights, reminiscing about the 1,600 kilometers we’d traveled since embarking on this journey. Each turn in the road revealed new beauty, from sprawling vineyards to dense eucalyptus forests, and we couldn’t help but stop occasionally to snap photos and stretch our legs.
The drive to Melbourne felt like a fitting finale to our adventure. With each passing kilometer, the anticipation of reaching the city grew. As we approached the outskirts of Melbourne, the skyline emerged in the distance, a silhouette of towering buildings against the brightening sky. We marveled at how quickly our peaceful rural surroundings transformed into a bustling urban environment.
Arriving in Melbourne, we navigated through the city streets, filled with the vibrant energy that the city is known for. The mix of modern architecture and historic buildings was captivating, and we made a mental note to explore more of what Melbourne had to offer in the future.
After a bit of maneuvering through traffic, we finally arrived at the car rental drop-off location. Stepping out of the car felt surreal; it was the end of our road trip, but it also marked the beginning of many cherished memories. We reflected on the diverse landscapes we’d traversed, the friendly locals we’d met, and the unforgettable experiences we’d shared together along the way.
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